CAT: Hi-Speed E-ZPass

We know, that's almost the same leader line we began our E-ZPass page with, but it still applies. What makes it even more disconcerting is if you add this to it:

It's true - Governor McGreevey and some legislators want to install a new high-speed E-ZPass, even though they haven't figured out how to pay for old E-ZPass yet. They even seem almost desperate to rush it in. Could it be that CAT has them worried about losing their golden trough?

Governor Whitman heralded E-ZPass as the "solution to the traffic nightmare". Not only did it not end the traffic nightmare, but it left us with a budget nightmare too. And now Governor McGreevey is saying that the new, high-speed E-ZPass will be the solution. With all due respect, Governor, the only real solution is to remove tolls.

At least Governor Whitman concocted a cock and bull story where cheaters would pay. Of course, that turned out to be a joke (...a really unfunny one) which left Governor McGreevey with a huge bill and no money. So, what does he want to do? Spend even more! Question: How are you going to pay for YOUR E-ZPass, Governor McGreevey, ...not to mention Governor Whitman's?

High speed E-ZPass is nothing more than a shameless attempt to keep tolls on the Parkway by increasing the debt load mainly because high debt is one of their favorite excuses to keep tolls. Any legislator who supports High Speed E-ZPass is dedicated to preserving tolls and the perpetual waste of our money, plus all the other evils of tolls listed on our web site.

Old Low-Speed E-ZPass has had problems since day one (...before, actually) because nobody seemed to ask the right questions. Well, let's make sure we ask the right questions this time:

1) Will it work? (...I'm still amazed that nobody asked this last time.) ...Guaranteed?

2) How much will it cost?

3) How much will it REALLY cost? ...Guaranteed?

4) Who is going to pay for it?

5) Will it work with existing transponders?

6) How will toll-cheats be caught? Given the fact they can't even catch toll cheats as they drive through confined ally ways at 15 mph with cameras pointed at them, how do they expect to do it with cars going 65 mph?

7) What will this high-speed cheat-catcher system cost? ...And is that included in your answer to #3?

8) How much will it cost to demolish the old tollbooths? ...And is that included in your answer to #3? I ask because when we suggested tearing down the tolls in the past, we were told demolition alone would cost $50 million. But high speed E-ZPass not only requires demolishing the old toll booths, but building new ones. Something doesn't add up. We've heard estimates that high-speed E-ZPass will cost $100 million. But does that include the $50 million for removing the old tollbooths, or did they fib about how much demolition would cost?

High Speed E-ZPass

Can you say: "High-Debt E-ZPass"?

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